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AIRF RCE June 19, 2014 Air Force Improvement 19 Squadron’s saving initiative Eamon Hamilton AN AMENDED fuel optimisation program will increase efficiency for the fleet of six C-17A Globemasters at No. 36 Squadron. Whether conducting work overseas or training in Australia, the C-17A’s typical fuel burn averages a rate of 16,000 pounds an hour. Since the C-17A integration into Australian service, the operating procedures have continually evolved. Derived initially from established USAF guidelines they have been continually refined to reflect the unique Australian requirements. The first initiative of 36SQN’s fuel optimisation program was to mandate reduced fuel loads for local training sorties. Previously, C-17 aircraft would be fuelled for a day of multiple local training sorties. However, now the sortie profiles are broken down to allow for refuelling between sorties and modified to minimise high fuel landing weight events. Fuel landing weight is a critical parameter in C-17A wing root fatigue management, and has a significant impact on aircraft life-of-type (LOT). Therefore, reducing the fuel on board at landing to less than 40,000lbs has reduced stress on the aircraft wings. “Aircraft fatigue modelling suggests this initiative alone will extend the LOT by five years,” CO 36SQN WGCDR Steven Pesce said. A second initiative entailed a review of fuel policy for long-haul missions, specifically looking at how alternate diversion and holding fuel is calculated. “The first benefit is that reducing how much fuel a C-17 is required to carry directly leads to lighter fuel landing weights and further reduces airframe fatigue,” WGCDR Pesce said. “I am also confident we have achieved this without any impact on the mission, legal holding requirements and safety.” The second benefit was that reducing the amount of reserve fuel carried directly reduced the fuel flow in the cruise and therefore the amount of fuel burnt on an average mission. Pilot SQNLDR Samantha Freebairn said the alternate and holding fuel requirements were overly conservative, “but without first updating the process of determining fuel requirements, there would be little ability to validate or implement the change.” “Our review of these figures has pro- vided greater confidence that our fuel policy is more accurate and reflects operating procedures,” she said. Initial analysis of the data before and after the implementation of these changes shows that 36SQN has been able to reduce hourly fuel consumption by 1.3 per cent, which equates to savings of more than $500,000 annually. While this saving is impressive, the squadron is progressing a number of operational initiatives which complement Air Mobility Group improvement efforts. 36SQN’s fuel optimisation program will see savings of more than half a million dollars each year. Photo: PO Phil Cullinan These include a review of simulator and aircraft training competencies to rationalise aircraft flight training hours, management protocols for engine fuel-flow factors for more accurate flight planning, and centre-ofgravity management protocols to further reduce fuel burn in cruise flight. “I am very proud of the efforts of our team,” WGCDR Pesce said. “I believe it is a great example of 36SQN personnel embracing Air Force Improvement and the cost-conscious and continuous improvement behaviours valued by Air Force.” The nighT sTarTs here SADFO AIRCDRE Tony Grady presents the award to FLTLT Brendan Rothery and CO 278SQN SQNLDR Shane McBride. Photo: CPL Melina Young Team of the year FLTLT Brendan Rothery NO. 278 Squadron Technical Training Flight Williamtown has been presented with the Air Force Improvement (AFI) Team of the Year Award. The award recognises the achievements of a unit or team which has excelled in delivering sustained, capability focused continuous improvement reform during the preceding calendar year. 278SQN TTF(WLM) received the award for its work last year developing the Hawk 127 Lead-in Fighter computerbased training system (CBTS). Since the aircraft’s introduction into service, Hawk technical and aircrew training has been provided by 278SQN through a contractor-supported computerised training system. The future introduction of the upgraded Hawk fl eet under Project Air 5438 required an update to the training system for maintenance personnel and aircrew. Contractor options to upgrade the training system were found to be unaffordable so developing an in-house CBTS for Hawk, based on the Classic Hornet CBTS, was identifi ed as the best value-for-money option available. The project began in earnest in March 2013 and over the fi rst eight months an estimated 8000 hours of work were absorbed by the unit without compromising core training delivery requirements. After a further 3000 hours of work this year, the project is nearing completion and staff resources are being reassigned back to their core duties. Development of the in-house training solution has led to an up-front multimillion dollar saving, as well as millions of dollars in further sustainment savings over the Hawk life of type. The common management ideology, processes and procedures between the Hornet and Hawk CBTS have simplifi ed the sustainment overheads and will also provide further effi ciencies for the unit. 278SQN will be more responsive to the training requirements of No. 78 Wing, as courseware updates can now be completed in several hours, as opposed to several months as experienced under the previous system. The 278SQN TTF(WLM) team displayed excellent technical knowledge, innovation and commitment by undertaking this large and technically complex project without compromising the delivery of technical training to ACG. To find out how SkeetIR meets the needs of Australian combat forces and to arrange a demo, email au.thermalvision@baesystems.com. Meet SkeetIR - the world’s smallest and most advanced thermal system. Our solution is compact and versatile, weighing less than 260 grams. Within seconds, it can be handheld, helmet or weapon mounted. The SkeetIR system silently operates in zero light, through smoke and dust without blooming, providing the perfect situational awareness edge. baesystems.com/australia